Live Weather @ FortWhyte

Paddling

Canoeing and Kayaking are lifelong sports that are easily learned by all ages and most abilities. FortWhyte Alive is pleased to partner with WAVpaddling for the instruction of the 2013 paddling programs. WAVpaddling’s certified professional instructors will provide you with the knowledge and experience to confidently enjoy your own paddling excursions. FortWhyte’s small sheltered lakes are the ideal setting for learning the basics of these adventurous pursuits.

These courses are designed to introduce you to the basics of paddling. In addition to safety training and equipment education, you will be taught the strokes and manoeuvres that will help you to enhance your on-water experience and improve your confidence. Registration for all paddling courses is done through WAVpaddling’s website. Ages 12 and up.

All paddling courses are taught at the FortWhyte Outdoor Adventure Centre, 2505 McGillivray Blvd. 

 
All Courses Includes:

  • National certification and registration with Paddle Canada for ceritfication level courses
  • Entry to FortWhyte Alive Outdoor Adventure Centre
  • Liability and Activity insurance

Please bring:

  • Your own boat and paddle,  rentals are available through Wilderness Supply. Please be sure to select whether you need a rental or not when adding to your cart
  • PFD (personal flotation device), or they will be provided by FortWhyte Alive.
  • Paddle clothing suitable to the weather conditions.
  • Water/snack/lunch

 

2013 Canoe Courses

Canoeing Basic Skills – Paddle Canada Certification

Fees: $85 per person
Length: 4 hours

Pre-requisite: None

To register for Canoeing Basic Skills : Click here

Paddle Canada has replaced the former Flat Water Program with this new course. It is designed for the novice or someone wanting to relearn the fundamentals. Your certified Paddle Canada instructor will lead you through the basics from learning the parts of a canoe and paddle, to the basics of canoe stability, and on to the elementary paddling strokes. Of course, safety is always foremost in the WAV paddling/Paddle Canada program. By the end of the course, you will be able to paddle a canoe wherever you like over flat calm waters and safely return to your starting point. Once you have completed this course, the way is open to more advanced programs in Lake Canoe, Moving Water, and Canoe Tripping, all available through the WAV paddling.

Course Dates:

  1. Wednesday, June 5, 5 pm – 9 pm
  2. Thursday, June 13, 5 pm – 9 pm
  3. Wednesday, June 19, 5 pm – 9 pm
  4. Thursday, June 27, 5 pm – 9 pm
  5. Thursday, July 4, 5 pm – 9 pm
  6. Wednesday, July 10, 5 pm – 9 pm
  7. Thursday, July 18, 5 pm – 9p m
  8. Wednesday, July 24, 5 pm – 9 pm
  9. Wednesday, August 7, 5 pm – 9 pm
  10. Thursday, August 15, 5 pm – 9 pm
  11. Wednesday, August 21, 5 pm – 9 pm

Canoe Fundamental Skills - Lake Tandem Canoe Certification

Fees: $125/person
Length: 8 hours

Pre-requisite: None

To Register for Canoe Fundamental Skills: Click here

This course is the foundation for any new paddler or those wishing to develop solid technique and skills. We will teach the fundamental canoe skills necessary to have a ton of fun out in the wilderness. An emphasis will be placed on safety and increasing overall general knowledge of the sport. This course will also build your confidence in paddling and tripping in the wilderness.

 Course Dates:

  1. Sunday, June 2, 9 am – 5 pm
  2. Saturday, June 8, 9 am – 5 pm
  3. Sunday, June 16, 9am – 5 pm
  4. Sunday, June 23, 9 am – 5 pm
  5. Saturday, July 6, 9 am – 5 pm
  6. Sunday, July 14, 9 am – 5 pm
  7. Saturday, July 20, 9am – 5 pm
  8. Sunday, July 28, 9 am – 5 pm
  9. Sunday, August 4, 9 am – 5 pm
  10. Saturday, August 10, 9 am – 5 pm
  11. Sunday , August 18, 9 am – 5 pm
  12. Sunday, August 25, 9 am – 5 pm
      

2013 Kayak Courses

Introduction to Sea Kayaking - Flat Water Kayak Certification


Fees: $125 per person
Length: 8 Hours

Pre-requisite: None

To register for Introduction to Sea Kayaking:  Click here

Master the fundamentals of sea kayaking. This course is a must for every new flat water kayaker hoping to get the most from their paddling experience. Paddle Canada’s kayaking program will teach you the basics, starting with equipment and moving on to the basic strokes and techniques you will need to kayak safely on flat water. Paddle Canada, as always, has thrown in a good measure of safety training so you will be confident but also know your limits

Course Dates: 

  1. Saturday, June 8, 9 am – 5 pm
  2. Tuesday/Thursday, June 11 & 13, 5 pm – 9 pm
  3. Sunday, June 16, 9 am – 5 pm
  4. Tuesday/Thursday, June 18 & 20, 5 pm – 9 pm
  5. Saturday, June 29, 9 am – 5 pm
  6. Tuesday/Thursday, July 2 & 4, 5 pm – 9 pm
  7. Sunday, July 7, 9 am – 5 pm
  8. Tuesday/Thursday, July 9 & 11, 5 pm – 9 pm
  9. Saturday, July 13, 9 am – 5 pm
  10. Tuesday/Thursday, July 16 & 18, 5 pm – 9 pm
  11. Sunday, July 21, 9 am – 5 pm
  12. Tuesday/Thursday, July 23 & 25, 5 pm – 9 pm
  13. Saturday, July 27, 9 am – 5 pm
  14. Tuesday/Thursday, July 30 & August 1, 5 pm – 9 pm
  15. Sunday, August 4, 9 am – 5 pm
  16. Tuesday/Thursday, August 6 & 8, 5 pm – 9 pm
  17. Saturday, August 10, 9 am – 5 pm
  18. Tuesday/Thursday, August 13 & 15, 5 pm – 9 pm
  19. Sunday, August 18, 9 am – 5 pm
  20. Tuesday/Thursday, August 20 & 22, 5 pm – 9 pm
  21. Saturday, August 24, 9 am – 5 pm
  22. Tuesday/Thursday, August 27 & 29, 5 pm – 9 pm
  23. Sunday, September 1, 9 am – 5 pm
     

 Introduction to Rolling a Kayak


Fees: $89 per person
Length: 3 hours

To register for Introduction to Rolling a Kayak: Click here

Beginners learn the roll. If you have a weak roll - come to strengthen it. Work on your offside roll and even take a crack at learning a hand roll.

This rolling clinic takes you through a progression of skills that lead to the development of a strong and consistent roll. We will start with a breakdown of the fundamental skills needed to execute the kayak rolling including: the brace, hip snap and underwater awareness. We then focus on body set up and paddle control. After some drill work and practice sessions, we put it all together and join the components into the complete roll.

  Course Dates: 

  1. Monday, June 17, 6 pm – 9 pm
  2. Wednesday, June 26, 6 pm – 9 pm
  3. Wednesday, July 3, 6 pm – 9 pm
  4. Monday, July 22, 6 pm – 9 pm
  5. Wednesday, August 7,, 6 pm – 9 pm
  6. Wednesday, August 21, 6 pm – 9 pm

 

 Looking for more Paddling opportunities?


WAVPaddling offers other opportunities including River Kayaking and Instructor Courses for both canoe and kayak. Please see their website for more opportunities to further your paddling skills.

River Kayaking

Canoe Instructor Courses

Kayak Instructor Courses

 

 

Paddling Open Houses

Tuesday and Thursday nights, June 4 to August 29, 2013, 6:30 - 9 pm*

In partnership with Mountain Equipment Co-op and The Wilderness Supply Company, Winnipeg’s best selection of kayaks will be available for you to enjoy. These evenings are supervised by the paddling pros, and offer the perfect chance to sample kayaking or canoeing in a safe environment. Bring your own boat or try out one of ours.

Admission:
$6/individual
$15/family

Held at the FortWhyte Adventure Site, 2505 McGillivray Blvd. (not the main FortWhyte Alive entrance on McCreary Rd.)
 

*Weather permitting.  If we are cancelling due to weather or high winds we will post the notice on the home page of our website.